Yorkville Leaf Removal Services

Our Leaf Removal Process

Contact Yorkville's Department of Public Works for Seasonal Leaf Collection & Curbside Pickup Schedules

Yorkville’s Department of Public Works (DPW) coordinates a comprehensive leaf collection program each fall, typically running from mid-October through the first week of December. Collection days are assigned by neighborhood, with most areas receiving weekly curbside pickup during peak season. Residents should place leaves at the curb by 7:00 AM on their scheduled day, ensuring piles are at least three feet from storm drains, fire hydrants, and parked vehicles. Yorkville allows both loose leaf piles (for vacuum truck collection) and biodegradable paper bags, in compliance with the Illinois yard waste landfill ban. For larger quantities, the city’s Transfer Station accepts bulk leaf drop-off during posted hours; permits may be required, and only leaves, grass clippings, and small branches are accepted. For questions about collection schedules, bag requirements, or Transfer Station hours, contact:

Yorkville Department of Public Works
651 Prairie Pointe Drive, Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-4370
Official Website: Yorkville Parks and Public Works Building

Understanding Leaf Accumulation Impact on Yorkville's Heavy Clay Prairie Soils & Lawn Health

Yorkville’s landscape is dominated by heavy clay prairie soils, as identified by the USDA Web Soil Survey. These soils drain slowly, causing water to pool and creating anaerobic conditions when covered by thick leaf layers. In these conditions, just 2-3 weeks of heavy leaf accumulation can suffocate turfgrass, block sunlight, and promote fungal diseases. Compacted urban fill soils, common in newer developments, experience even faster turf damage due to poor air exchange. While leaves can be beneficial in naturalized garden beds, conservation buffer zones, and wooded areas—where they support wildlife and soil health—maintained lawns require regular removal. Mulch-mowing is effective only for light leaf coverage on well-drained soils; in areas with heavy clay or dense shade, removal is necessary to prevent rapid lawn decline. For more on local soil characteristics, visit the USDA Web Soil Survey.

Yorkville Environmental Compliance Guidelines for Leaf Disposal Near Protected Areas

Proper leaf disposal is essential for protecting Yorkville’s sensitive natural resources, including the Fox River, local streams, and adjacent wetlands. Illinois regulations require buffer zones near water bodies, where natural leaf retention is encouraged to support wildlife habitat and nutrient cycling. However, leaves must be removed from maintained lawns and kept out of buffer areas to prevent nutrient runoff and water quality degradation. Residents living near conservation areas should coordinate with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for guidance on best practices. For questions about buffer zone management and environmental compliance, contact:

Yorkville Community Development
800 Game Farm Road, Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-4350
Official Website: Community Development | Yorkville, IL

For additional information, see the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Keep Leaves Out of Streets & Storm Drains: Yorkville's NPDES Stormwater Compliance Requirements

Yorkville participates in the Illinois EPA’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, which mandates strict controls on organic debris entering storm drains. Leaves left in streets or gutters can wash into storm sewers, leading to nutrient loading, oxygen depletion, and algae growth in the Fox River and local streams. Residents must keep leaves off pavement and out of storm drains, placing them only at the curb on collection days. The city enforces these requirements under the EPA NPDES permit system and the Clean Water Act. For more information on stormwater compliance, contact:

Yorkville Department of Public Works
651 Prairie Pointe Drive, Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-4370
Official Website: Yorkville Parks and Public Works Building

Yorkville's Implementation of Illinois Organic Waste Management Requirements for Fall Leaves

Illinois law prohibits the disposal of yard waste, including leaves, in landfills. Yorkville enforces this through its municipal collection program, requiring residents to use biodegradable paper bags or participate in loose leaf curbside collection. The city provides educational materials on proper disposal and composting alternatives, and maintains setback requirements for leaf piles to prevent runoff. Residents may also use the Transfer Station for bulk drop-off, following posted guidelines. For more on state regulations, visit the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

Optimal Leaf Removal Timing for Yorkville's Tree Species & Illinois Fall Weather Patterns

Yorkville’s urban canopy features a mix of sugar maples, Norway maples, ash, oaks (red, white, bur), hickories, elms, and honey locusts. Early October sees the drop of maples and ash, while oaks, hickories, and elms shed leaves from mid-October through November. Bur oaks and American beech may hold leaves into December. The National Weather Service Chicago (NWS Chicago) provides up-to-date forecasts, helping residents schedule removal after major drop events but before heavy rain or early snow. Multiple collection passes are recommended, especially in neighborhoods with dense mature trees. Illinois’ variable fall weather—including freeze-thaw cycles—can cause leaves to mat quickly, so timely removal is essential.

Post-Leaf Removal Lawn Recovery & Winter Preparation in Yorkville's Climate Zone

After leaf removal, assess your lawn for thin or damaged areas. Late-season fertilization (using a slow-release, nitrogen-rich product) should be applied before the ground freezes, typically in early November. Overseeding is possible if done before mid-October, allowing new grass to establish before winter dormancy. Set your mower to a final height of 2.5-3 inches to protect turf crowns during Illinois winters. Remove all debris and improve drainage in low spots, especially in clay-heavy soils. Plan for early spring recovery by monitoring for compaction and reseeding as needed. For lawn health guidance, contact:

Kendall County Health Department
811 W. John Street, Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-9100
Official Website: Kendall County Health Department

Or consult the University of Illinois Extension and University of Illinois Extension Plant Clinic.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Yorkville, IL?

Yorkville’s neighborhoods each present unique leaf management challenges:

• Fox Hill: Mature oaks and maples create heavy leaf volume; clay soils and proximity to the Fox River require strict NPDES compliance and buffer management.
• Bristol Bay: Newer development with compacted urban soils; moderate tree coverage, but poor drainage accelerates turf damage under leaf piles.
• Heartland Circle: Dense parkway trees (maples, honey locust); flat topography and large lots make for high collection volume and wind-driven leaf accumulation.
• Grande Reserve: Mixed-age trees, some conservation buffer zones; loess-influenced soils offer better drainage, but areas near wetlands require careful leaf placement.
• Downtown Yorkville: Historic lots with mature canopy, alley access, and variable lot sizes; collection logistics are complex, and proximity to the river increases environmental sensitivity.
• Raintree Village: Moderate tree density, newer soils with compaction; open prairie wind exposure causes drifting and uneven leaf distribution.
• Sunflower Estates: Fewer mature trees, but adjacent to parks and open space; collection is straightforward, but park proximity requires attention to buffer zones.

Yorkville Municipal Ordinances for Leaf Blowing Equipment Operation & Noise Control

Yorkville regulates the use of leaf blowers and other powered equipment to minimize noise and environmental impact. Equipment may typically be operated between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays; Sunday and holiday use may be restricted. Commercial operators must comply with licensing requirements and observe all seasonal restrictions. Residents should avoid blowing leaves into streets or neighboring properties, as this violates both noise and stormwater ordinances. For details on equipment operation and local noise control, contact:

Yorkville Building Department
651 Prairie Pointe Drive, Yorkville, IL 60560
(630) 553-8545
Official Website: Building Safety & Zoning | Yorkville, IL

By following Yorkville’s municipal guidelines and state regulations, residents help protect local waterways, maintain healthy lawns, and support ecological stewardship throughout the community.